Posterior Cruciate Ligament

History:

Injuries occur most commonly as a result of a direct blow to the anterior tibia with the knee flexed (the “dashboard injury”), hyperflexion, or hyperextension. A fall onto the ground with a plantar-flexed foot is also a mechanism of injury for PCL tears.

Nonoperative treatment:

Nonoperative treatment is favored for most isolated grades I and II PCL injuries.

Grade III injuries indicate a combined injury, usually to the posterolateral corner.

Chronic PCL deficiency can result in late chondrosis of the patellofemoral compartment and/or medial femoral condyle.

PCL reconstruction is recommended for functionally unstable or combined injuries.